As Bonfire night swiftly approaches, it’s that time of year when many Brits will be heading off to firework displays or hosting their own.
It’s a beloved British tradition, but not everyone looks forward to this season. Our furry friends, cats and dogs, are typically not fans of fireworks due to the loud bangs and bright lights.
They don’t understand what’s happening, which understandably leads to panic. Pet owners often stay close to their pets during this time, providing comfort as shaking, barking and hiding are common reactions.
However, there are methods to make your home more pet-friendly during the bonfire season. To lend a hand, Joshua Houston, a sound-proofing expert at Household Quotes, has shared five helpful tips.
Play some tunes
Fireworks can be loud, so play some music to reduce the sound. Studies have shown that classical music leaves dogs feeling less agitated, which is ideal on bonfire night. However, if you really can’t stand classical, then put on whatever entertains you. The main thing is that your pet’s ears concentrate more on the music than the loud bangs from outside.
Invest in noise-reducing curtains
Another effective way to minimise outdoor noise is by investing in noise-reducing curtains. Available on Amazon for around £43, these curtains are made from heavy, dense material designed to keep sound out of your home. They’re ideal for rooms where your pets frequently spend time, such as your living room or kitchen. In addition to other benefits, when you settle down to watch telly after a hard day’s graft, you’ll be less bothered by the outside world. If your home is near a bustling road, they’re great for cutting down on the noise pollution.
Find the quietest room
The peak times for fireworks will be between 7 pm and 11 pm, from October 31st through to November 5th. So during these hours, find the most peaceful room in your house where you can keep your pets for a few hours. For many, this will be internal corridors or larger bathrooms. This is because they are often better insulated from the outside, meaning less noise reaches these areas.
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Ensure windows and doors are sealed
Often, noise can infiltrate your home through gaps in your windows and doors. Examine each one closely to see if they need any attention. Caulk is useful for filling in small spaces in your home, you can apply this to the areas around doors and windows that have gaps. Alternatively, a draft excluder is a much simpler way to seal up your home, it requires less DIY know-how. Sealing your home will ultimately decrease the amount of outside noise that gets in, making your pets’ fireworks season more bearable.
Keep your home dark
It’s not just the noises that pets detest, but also the lights. Fireworks result in bright lights flooding your home, causing stress to your animals who are clueless about what’s happening. To avoid this, ensure your curtains and blinds are shut, blocking any lights from penetrating.
Joshua Houston, a Sound-proofing Expert at Household Quotes, stated: ‘Bonfire night is a thrilling occasion for many across the nation, but for some, it will be their most dreaded night of the year. This includes pets, who are left bewildered by the loud noises and flashy lights, which can frighten them.
“Adhere to these tips to soundproof your home. They will assist in diminishing the noise infiltrating from outside, which should aid in keeping your pet tranquil.”
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